Diagnosis: head with cycloid scales above; mouth moderately protractile (Ref. 231). Vomerine teeth only anteriorly (Ref. 231), in a crescentic band (Ref. 231, 57391). Scales on interorbital space cycloid (Ref. 57391). Posterior edge of opercle finely serrated, lower edge with strong forward- directed denticles (Ref. 231). 2 flat opercular spines (Ref. 231, 57391). Young with some dark spots on upper part of body (Ref. 231).

Description: elongate fish with 2 separate dorsal fins and a rather deep caudal peduncle; lower preopercular margin with large, forward-pointing spines; vomerine teeth patch not extending to midline of palate; caudal fin moderately forked; scales small, those on interorbital space cycloid (Ref. 57391).

Coloration: back silvery to greyish-blue, sides silvery, belly sometimes tinged with yellow; young individuals may have some black markings, particularly on back but these disappear in adults; a diffuse black spot at upper angle of opercle (Ref. 57391).